Ves Natuma

  

Ves Natuma is one of the most distinguished and classical dance forms of the Kandyan dance tradition in Sri Lanka. It is recognized for its elaborate costume, intricate movements, and the spiritual and historical significance it holds in Sri Lankan culture. Originally performed in the temples as a sacred ritual to honor the gods, Ves Natuma has evolved but still retains much of its religious and cultural essence.

The dance is characterized by the elaborate Ves costume, which includes an intricately designed headdress, a white cloth, and numerous ornaments. The headdress is particularly significant; it is made of over sixty pieces of silver jewelry and represents the sun's rays, symbolizing the power of the sun god. The costume is completed with beaded fringes, which add to the visual impact of the dancer's movements.

Ves Natuma requires extensive training and mastery of technique, as it involves precise and refined gestures, facial expressions, and footwork. The dance is performed exclusively by male dancers, who undergo years of rigorous training under a master. The training includes not only dance techniques but also learning the rituals and drum rhythms associated with the dance.

The music accompanying Ves Natuma is provided by traditional Kandyan drums, which play complex rhythms that the dancer must interpret and express through his movements. The dance is highly structured, with each movement and posture having a specific meaning and purpose, often telling stories from Buddhist mythology or conveying spiritual messages.

Overall, Ves Natuma is not just a dance but a profound cultural expression that encompasses the spiritual, historical, and artistic traditions of Sri Lanka. It is a central part of the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, where it is performed to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. This dance is a source of national pride and cultural identity, celebrated and revered across Sri Lanka.